Vitamin D intake in the United States

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TweetVitamin D intake in the United States

Several recent studies have reported a surprisingly high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency in the United States and Canada in otherwise relatively healthy individuals. New evidence suggests that vitamin D-fortified foods, which are predominantly fluid milk and ready-to-eat cereals, do not seem to be reaching populations in greatest need. Few foods consumed by Americans contain naturally occurring vitamin D, with oily fish providing the most concentrated source. Foods that may be fortified with vitamin D include breakfast cereals, milk, milk products, grain products and pastas, infant formula, and margarine. Recent regulation amendments now allow for the addition of vitamin D to calcium-fortified juices and juice drinks.

The researchers of this experiment knew of no study that has examined the dietary intake of vitamin D for the entire US population. Therefore, they estimated US intake of vitamin D using two nutrition surveys and determined major food group sources of vitamin D and calcium. US men, non-pregnant and nonlactating women, and nonbreastfeeding children ages one year and older participated in the surveys.

Mean dietary vitamin D intake from food was primarily from foods in the dairy products group. Likewise, mean total dietary calcium intake was obtained primarily from the dairy products group.

The surveys showed that the intake of vitamin D from food sources and dietary supplements was not meeting recommended levels. The lowest intakes of vitamin D from food were reported by female teenagers and female adults. The highest intakes of vitamin D from food sources were reported by male teenagers. Dairy products were the primary sources of both vitamin D and calcium, indicating that consumption of dairy products plays a critical role in the daily intake of both nutrients. In light of the study's results, researchers determined that additional food fortification as well as dietary and supplement guidance are needed for the general population.

Bottom line: Consuming vitamin D-fortified dairy products, fortified juices, juice drinks, and grain products such as cereals are encouraged. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement (200-400 IU) if you are a female over the age of 13, a man over the age of 50, and if you consume limited amounts of concentrated sources of vitamin D such as fortified milk, yogurt, and calcium-fortified juices. Check your multi-vitamin or calcium supplement to see how much vitamin D you are already taking in through supplements.

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